Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-06-24
Gratiot County Teachers Association


Each session OF the Gratiot Go.
Teachers Association is more
interesting than any former one, ana
the last. held Ut Forest Hill, was no
exception, although some veteran MEM
bers and notably Lawyer Leonard were
absent. 1t is the opinion OF Gratlot
county teachers, that more practical
benefit is derived from our two days
association. than from the state mstl-
tutes which continue one week. The
program was fully carried out, all who
were expected To take part being pres
ent. There was an admirable absence
of the prosy papers OF professors and
principals; each essay being short, but
interesting, pointed and lucid discus
cusslons on some live educational top
ic. The finest essays were delivered
by Misses Sanford, Montgomery, and
Shepherd, of st. Louis, and by Miss
Fisher. OF Alma. The most practical
illustrations Of class work was given
class imported for the purpose, present
ed her method of teaching geography.
without reference to the book. One
blushinC damse gave directions, while
one at the board, and all Others
at their desks. drew and filled out the
map Of the county being studied. The
chronic cry of the country teachers is,
How can this be applied to a district
school," and two, who probably never
used ANYTHING, woke the weary wall
when tins extren ely easy exercises
were ended, Mr.. Stilwell, of Alma,
showed his way of conducting a class
in current news, which created much
interest, among the business men and
farmers present; one gentleman stat
ing that the exercises had decided him,
to send son TO Alma Union School
next year. This class in current news
was started four years ago, and so far
as we know, no school in the State has
n similar one. AS usual the discus
sions proved the most interesting and
beneficial part OF the exercises. MI.
Everdon, of Estella, in well written
paper, attempting to show the relation
of the country schools to those grad
ed. succeeded in showing that little
relationship exists; and the discussion
resulted in deciding, that the greatest
failure in country schools is, that child
rem are not instructed in writing and
language from the first.
4 resolution was passed asking the
legislature to favor the bill reinstating
county supervision. but it was too late.
since the bill, which had passed the
senate, went through the house 81 to o
on the very day of the association, be-
ing fathered by our own and only Rep
resentative Henry l.. Wood, of st.
Louis.
The evening lecture was delivered 10y
DR.. Oxtoby, Of East Saginaw. The
subject being Literature As eX-
pected the lecture was of the highest !
literary merit, but contrary to expect
atoms. contained so much wit, and was
delivered in such unique style, that the
delight Of the audience exceeded that
Of any teachers association since the
memory of man. The hospitality of
the Forest Hill people was unbounded; |
they had prepared piles of pies and
cords Of cakes and cookies, and seemed
veXed that the capacity of the smiling
school mains should he so slight. The
next association will meet at St Louis
on the last Friday and Saturday of
January next. Here's hoping the ped
agogues a rousing reunion there.